Mercury 150 HP Controls

[Rico]

I am kind of new to boating and need some help please.
I have a used boat and this weekend I had trouble with my controls.
They were very hard to get into forward and revers and engine started racing at times. Needless to say it was very hard when I came in to dock.
I was told that it was my control cables that were bad. Anyone out there with advice that could help me, would be deeply appreciated.
I have a 20 foot Mako with 150 HP Mercury.
Thank You to all

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Mercury 150 HP Controls

I was told that it was my control cables that were bad.

I guess a lot depends on who told you that the control cables were bad and if they are guessing or visually or mechanically confirmed a problem with the cables.

If the problem was visually or mechanically diagnosed by a knowledeble person, then I suggest that you more fully describe what the person found was bad in order to get the best possible advice on what to do about it.

If what you were told was just a guess, you might consider doing some of your own troubleshooting before replacing any expensive parts. I suggest disconnecing the controls at the engine to see how smoothly the controls work without the motor hookup. If the controls still do not work smoothly, perhaps you have a kinked cable or the controls need some lubrication. If the controls do work smoothly when not connected to the motor, perhaps the problem is bad adjustment of the linkage or other motor mechanics.

Just my thoughts.... Others on the forum can provide you with better troubleshooting guidance.

 

[DutchMerc]

Re: Mercury 150 HP Controls

Check the cables for damage, disconnect from the motor, and staighten them as good as posible. Your controls should move smooth now. If not, trie to lubricate the cables with a synthetic oil. If this still doesn't work, you might need some new cables...
If the cables are o.k., there might be a problem with the levers on the motor, or the shift-rod on the back of the tail. Maybe the rod is bent due to bad storage??? Good luck